Re: Which Water of Life Did You Purchase Today?

Originally Posted by IowaJeff

I need some guidance. I've recently started enjoying peated scotch. Toed the water with Highland Park 12, dove in headfirst with Ardbeg 10. What should I try next? Laphroaig? Is Lagavulin 16 worth the premium over Laph? I'd rather not spend a fortune, because 80% of my drinking is still bourbon. I'll probably pick up some more HP12 as well, because that was just plain good. I drained that bottle fast.

The Laphroaig Quarter Cask and Cask Strength are both in the price range of the Ardbeg 10 and are both great pours and would be in the profile you desire.I prefer Ardbeg and Laphroaig to Talisker,as for the second question is the Lagavulin 16 worth it,absolutely one of my all time favorites as is the 12yr CS.Have fun with your peated search and enjoy.

"To deny our own impulses is to deny the very thing that makes us human."
Larry Wachowski​

Re: Which Water of Life Did You Purchase Today?

Originally Posted by IowaJeff

What should I try next?

You should definitely have the experience of Laphroaig 10 and Lagavulin 16 at some point. Lagavulin 16 has one of the most amazing noses of any whisky. Just stellar. If you're willing to shop online, you can find Lagavulin for around $60, which is usually much cheaper than you'll see it in stores. Not sure if you can receive alcohol shipments in your state either. With that said, I'd probably go with Laphroaig as it's more directly similar to the Ardbeg 10 in my opinion, and you'll be able to consider the similarity and difference with regard to your preference. Then you can try the Lagavulin and decide for yourself if it's worth the premium. They're all stellar.

Re: Which Water of Life Did You Purchase Today?

I made a rare blended purchase, picking up two bottles from Compass Box. Great King Street and Great King Street New York. I'm putting the limited release in the bunker alongside a Flaming Heart 4th edition, but plan to open and enjoy the standard GKS soon. I've heard great things about CB but haven't tasted their product yet.

Re: Which Water of Life Did You Purchase Today?

Thanks for the advice Yeti and Wainwright! I'll hit up my local whisky-mongers and see what they have. I'll try to pick up a Laphroaig. I'll see how much Lagavulin is around here . . . if winter ever settles in here I could see myself reaching for the peat more frequently so 2 bottles might be prudent.

Re: Which Water of Life Did You Purchase Today?

Originally Posted by IowaJeff

I need some guidance. I've recently started enjoying peated scotch.

The Lag16 is wonderful for it's balance of flavors - but it's not nearly as "in your face" as the Laphroaigs (I have a Laph10 and QC open now and really like them both as well). You need to get the Lag16 at some point - it's that nice.

If you want something with the Islay peat, but not quite as intense as the Ardbegs and Laphs, and not as expensive as the Lag, you might consider a Caol Ila 12. I'm really enjoying it as a nice peat fix that's a bit more subdued - somewhat between the Lag and the Ardbeg profile..